UAE expats: Faced a delay sending money home? 5 steps to take next

Al Ansari Exchange glitch reminds expats why it pays to be prepared for remittance hiccups

Last updated:
Justin Varghese, Your Money Editor
3 MIN READ
A money exchange centre in Abu Dhabi.
A money exchange centre in Abu Dhabi.
Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News Archives

Dubai: If your remittance back home over the weekend was delayed or ended up in the wrong account, you’re not alone — and you're right to be concerned. For many UAE expats, timely money transfers are essential for supporting families, paying school fees, covering medical expenses, or meeting monthly bills.

While most transfers go through smoothly, even the most reliable money exchange services can face occasional hiccups. Just this past weekend, a minor technical glitch at one of the country’s leading exchange houses momentarily disrupted fund transfers, causing a few transactions to be misdirected. The company later confirmed that the issue was quickly resolved, with most funds recovered and operations returning to normal.

Even though no widespread disruption occurred, the incident is a timely reminder that remittance delays — whether due to technical issues, bank holidays, or compliance checks — can and do happen. Knowing what to do next can save you stress and help ensure your money gets where it needs to go.

So what should you do if your remittance faces delays in the UAE? Here's a step-by-step guide to stay calm and take control.

1. Check your transfer status first

Before assuming anything has gone wrong, log into your bank or exchange house app or website to track the transaction. Look for:

  • Remittance reference number

  • Recipient details

  • Date and time of transfer

Transfers made after business hours or during public holidays — either in the UAE or the recipient country — may naturally take longer. If it's a weekend or bank holiday where the money is being sent, this could be the cause of the delay.

2. Contact customer support immediately

If your money hasn’t arrived within the usual timeframe (often a few hours to a business day), reach out to the provider’s customer support:

  • For those who send money visiting crypto houses, this means calling their hotline or visiting a branch.

  • When using app-based remittance services in the UAE, use the in-app help chat.

Ask for a SWIFT copy or tracking reference, which shows whether the money has been sent, received, or held up in between.

3. Understand common reasons for delays

Even without technical glitches, money transfers may face delays due to:

  • Incorrect recipient details (account number, name, bank codes)

  • Regulatory checks (AML/KYC verifications on large transfers)

  • Currency conversion issues or mismatches

There have been numerous instances in the past where remitted funds were transferred to the wrong customer accounts due to a system error. But in most cases, it’s a simpler clerical or compliance issue.

4. Raise a formal complaint if needed

If your funds are still unaccounted for after 3–5 business days and you're not getting clear answers, it’s time to escalate:

  • File a complaint with the Central Bank of the UAE’s Consumer Protection Unit via centralbank.ae or call 800-CBUAE (800 22823).

  • Make sure you include transaction details, screenshots, and any correspondence.

5. Request a refund or reversal

If a transfer has failed, you have the right to request a full refund. Depending on the service and destination bank, this can take a few days — so plan your remittance dates ahead of time, especially for urgent payments.

How to be prepared, double-check next time

Whether you use exchange houses like Al Ansari, Lulu Exchange, or apps like e& money, Lulu Money, Wise, Remitly or Western Union, there are a few ways to reduce future risk regardless of the remittance platform you use:

  • Save verified recipient details and recheck before every transfer.

  • Choose services with real-time tracking and notifications.

  • Avoid transferring large amounts just before weekends or holidays unless necessary.

For now, if your transaction was impacted, rest assured that it's being resolved — but if you ever face a remittance delay again, you now know exactly what to do.

Justin Varghese
Justin VargheseYour Money Editor
Justin is a personal finance author and seasoned business journalist with over a decade of experience. He makes it his mission to break down complex financial topics and make them clear, relatable, and relevant—helping everyday readers navigate today’s economy with confidence. Before returning to his Middle Eastern roots, where he was born and raised, Justin worked as a Business Correspondent at Reuters, reporting on equities and economic trends across both the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.
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